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Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Sandwich

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This decadent sandwich pairs crispy garlic bread with juicy, seasoned shrimp and layers of gooey, melty cheese. Each bite delivers the crunch of toasted artisan bread, the richness of aromatic garlic butter, and the succulence of perfectly cooked seafood. By stacking and grilling the shrimp and cheese between robust slices, you achieve both comfort and gourmet flair. Try pairing with fresh salads or zesty sauces like garlic aioli or tangy cocktail sauce. The result is a golden, flavorful creation that's just as impressive for lunch as it is for casual entertaining—it’s a blend of classic comfort and elevated flavor.

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A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Recipe Author Maria
Updated as of Wed, 04 Jun 2025 22:21:42 GMT
A grilled cheese sandwich with shrimp and garlic. Bookmark
A grilled cheese sandwich with shrimp and garlic. | foodbymary.com

Imagine biting into warm toasted bread that crackles under your fingers then gives way to a melting layer of sharp cheese and plump garlicky shrimp. This cheesy garlic bread shrimp grilled cheese sandwich was born on a busy night when I craved something comforting and impressive with whatever was in my fridge. Since then it has become my go-to for guests and quiet nights alike because it brings together everything I love about grilled cheese and seafood.

I never thought shrimp belonged in a grilled cheese until I made this on a whim The blend of flavors changed my mind forever and this sandwich now gets requested in my house more than pizza

Ingredients

  • Fresh medium shrimp: Look for bright colored shrimp with a firm surface Choose wild-caught or high-quality frozen options for the best texture and flavor
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: Melty bold and a great match for shrimp Grate yourself for the best melt
  • Gruyère cheese: This cheese adds melt and nutty depth Try to find a wedge from the specialty section for its superior creaminess
  • Artisan bread: Sourdough or a rustic country loaf holds up to layers and makes a crisp crust Avoid soft sandwich breads which can get soggy
  • Unsalted butter: Choose high-fat European-style butter for richer garlic spread
  • Fresh garlic: Essential for a deep robust flavor Peel and mince just before use
  • Chopped parsley or chives: These herbs add color and freshness Choose fresh over dried if possible
  • Sea salt and black pepper: Good quality salt and fresh cracked black pepper boost every bite

Selecting good bread and cheese makes this sandwich truly special Look for cheese with a slightly moist surface and bread with a chewy airy crumb

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Garlic Butter:
Let your butter reach room temperature for easy mixing then combine with freshly minced garlic chopped herbs a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of pepper Mix well until fragrant
Prepare the Shrimp:
Peel and devein the shrimp Remove any dark vein along the back and rinse them Pat dry then toss with a little sea salt pepper and a dash of garlic powder Let them rest briefly
Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a skillet over medium heat Add a small bit of butter then sauté the shrimp just until pink and curled about two minutes per side Remove so they stay juicy
Assemble the Sandwich:
Spread garlic butter generously on one side of each bread slice Lay one slice butter-side-down then layer half your grated cheeses evenly Add the cooked shrimp in a single layer Top with remaining cheese and close the sandwich with the second bread slice butter-side-up
Toast the Sandwich:
Place in a hot skillet over medium-low Let it crisp up until golden brown on the first side about four minutes Press gently for even browning Flip carefully and grill until the second side is crisp and the cheese is gooey
Serve and Enjoy:
Let your sandwich rest a minute before slicing for clean edges Cut diagonally and serve hot
A cheesy garlic bread sandwich with shrimp. Bookmark
A cheesy garlic bread sandwich with shrimp. | foodbymary.com

My favorite ingredient is the gruyère which brings a nutty creaminess to balance the sweet shrimp When my niece tried this for the first time she declared it better than restaurant food and I could not stop smiling

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers store shrimp and cheese separately from bread to preserve textures Wrap bread tightly or keep in a paper bag to avoid sogginess Shrimp will last up to two days in the fridge For best results reassemble and toast just before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have gruyère try Monterey Jack or fontina Both melt beautifully If you do not have sharp cheddar a young gouda works well You can use cooked lobster or even seared scallops instead of shrimp for an extra special twist

Serving Suggestions

This sandwich pairs well with a bright green salad or tangy tomato soup A squeeze of lemon over the shrimp before assembly also adds a fresh note Garlic aioli or a light sriracha mayo can make a delicious dipping sauce Try serving with pickled onions or a simple cucumber salad

A grilled cheese sandwich with shrimp and garlic. Bookmark
A grilled cheese sandwich with shrimp and garlic. | foodbymary.com

Cultural and Historical Context

Grilled cheese sandwiches started as a Great Depression comfort food and have been reinvented ever since Combining shrimp nods to coastal cooking traditions of the American South and France topped off with classic garlic bread inspiration It is a true fusion that celebrates both hearty and sophisticated flavors

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What bread works best for this sandwich?

Sturdy artisan or sourdough loaves hold up well and toast beautifully, giving essential crunch and flavor.

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Thawed, well-drained frozen shrimp work perfectly—just be sure to pat them dry before cooking.

→ Which cheeses melt best in this sandwich?

Gruyère, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and fontina all deliver excellent melt and rich flavor.

→ How do I prevent sogginess?

Use medium heat, avoid excess butter, and ensure shrimp is fully drained before assembling your sandwich.

→ Are there vegetarian alternatives to shrimp?

Try sliced king oyster mushrooms, hearts of palm, or seasoned tofu for a flavorful seafood-free filling.

→ What are ideal dipping sauces?

Garlic aioli, cocktail sauce, and sriracha mayo all complement the cheese and shrimp profile delightfully.

Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Sandwich

Crispy garlic bread encases juicy shrimp and melty cheese for a decadent, flavor-packed sandwich experience.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
12 minutes
Overall Time
27 minutes
Recipe Author: Maria

Dish Category: Main Dishes

Recipe Difficulty: Medium Effort

Cuisine: American

Serves: 2 Serving Size (2 gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches)

Dietary Options: ~

What You’ll Need to Cook

→ Garlic Butter

Ingredient 01 60 g unsalted butter, softened
Ingredient 02 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
Ingredient 03 10 g fresh parsley, chopped
Ingredient 04 1 g sea salt
Ingredient 05 1 g dried oregano (optional)

→ Shrimp Filling

Ingredient 06 200 g medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (31-40 count per 450 g)
Ingredient 07 2 g garlic powder
Ingredient 08 1 g smoked paprika
Ingredient 09 1 g sea salt
Ingredient 10 0.5 g black pepper

→ Sandwich Base

Ingredient 11 4 slices sturdy artisan or sourdough bread (each approximately 35-40 g)

→ Cheese Selection

Ingredient 12 40 g sharp white cheddar, grated
Ingredient 13 30 g Gruyère, grated
Ingredient 14 30 g smoked gouda, grated

Steps to Prepare

Step 01

Combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and dried oregano. Mix until fully incorporated and set aside.

Step 02

Pat the shrimp dry. Toss with garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Allow to marinate for 10-15 minutes.

Step 03

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque, firm, and pink. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 04

Spread garlic butter generously over both sides of each bread slice, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor and crispness.

Step 05

Place one slice of buttered bread, butter-side down, on a cutting board. Layer half of the cheeses evenly, followed by cooked shrimp, then the remaining cheeses. Top with the second bread slice, butter-side up.

Step 06

Heat a cast-iron skillet or non-stick griddle over medium-low heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is golden and cheese fully melted.

Step 07

Transfer sandwich to a cutting board, allow to cool for 1-2 minutes, then slice diagonally. Serve immediately alongside desired sauces or accompaniments.

Extra Cooking Tips

  1. Use freshly grated cheese for optimal melting and flavor.
  2. Avoid overcooking shrimp; they should be just opaque and slightly pink.
  3. To achieve an extra crispy exterior, toast the bread with the garlic butter before assembling, then proceed with the filling.
  4. Cover pan during grilling to ensure even cheese melting.

Must-Have Tools

  • Cast-iron skillet or heavy non-stick frying pan
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula

Allergen Information

Always check ingredient labels for allergens and seek expert advice if uncertain.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp)
  • Contains milk (cheese, butter)
  • Contains gluten (bread)

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are for guidance and aren’t a replacement for professional advice.
  • Calories Count: 690
  • Fats: 40 grams
  • Carbs: 38 grams
  • Proteins: 41 grams